Two workers are killed every month in trench collapses.

Inspect trenches before each work shift and provide safe entry and exit through ladders, ramps or stairways.

Keep all equipment, materials and spoil piles at least 2 feet back from trench edges.

Definitions

Shoring means a structure such a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to prevent cave-ins.

Benching means a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating the sides of an excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with vertical or near vertical surfaces between levels.

Sloping means a method of protecting employees from cave-ins by excavating to form sides of an excavation that are inclined away from the excavation so as to prevent cave-ins. The angle of inclined required to prevent a cave-in varies with differences in such factors as the soil type, environmental conditions of exposure, and application of surcharge loads.